Andrea Radrizzani's Eleven Sports have issued a statement confirming that they will no longer be showing matches during the Saturday afternoon blackout period.

The Leeds United chairman's broadcasting firm have shown two Serie A matches during the blackout period which runs between 2.45pm and 5.15pm on a Saturday so far in the UK this season, as the Italian sought to reignite the debate over the regulation.

The FA and Scottish FA apply the ruling which is in place to protect attendance figures and participation, but Radrizzani believes that in the digiatal age of streaming, it is outdated model.

"Out of respect for the wishes of our partners, we will for the time being no longer show matches during the Saturday afternoon blackout period," Eleven Sports' statement read.

Radrizzani has been in the headlines of late (Image: YE AUNG THU/AFP/Getty Images)

"We maintain our strong view that the rule, which dates back to the 1950’s, is unfit for the modern, digital era – particularly for overseas games which we hold the rights to.

"The blackout is one of the biggest generators of piracy in the UK. These games are very easily accessed on illegal sites online and it is naïve to think that fans do not watch them because they are not shown on legitimate platforms, except betting sites."

This statement comes as Eleven Sports are reportedly looking to challenge Sky Sports and BT Sport for the rights to Scottish football from 2020.

Eleven Sports currently have the rights for a host of European leagues, including La Liga, Serie A and the Eredivisie.

Eleven Sports' Statement in full

"Out of respect for the wishes of our partners, we will for the time being no longer show matches during the Saturday afternoon blackout period.

"We maintain our strong view that the rule, which dates back to the 1950’s, is unfit for the modern, digital era – particularly for overseas games which we hold the rights to.

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"The blackout is one of the biggest generators of piracy in the UK. These games are very easily accessed on illegal sites online and it is naïve to think that fans do not watch them because they are not shown on legitimate platforms, except betting sites.

"It is irresponsible to leave the market in the hands of criminals.

"Fans in the UK should have the freedom and the choice to watch these games legally through the official rights holder, as they do all over the world. Regrettably, intense pressure from stakeholders within the football establishment means that football fans across the country do not have this option.

"With the best interests of football fans at heart, we are currently considering all legal and regulatory options, including the referral of the case to the appropriate authorities."